For children ages 4 to 9
During the 11 AM Sunday Mass
Philosophy |
How Does It Work?Children gather for Sunday Mass with their families as usual. After the opening prayer, the celebrant calls the children forward into the sanctuary along with an adult leader and several adult helpers. The leader is presented with the Children's Lectionary and the children receive a little blessing before processing to classrooms in the school building for their own Liturgy of the Word. The children then rejoin their families in Church prior to the Presentation of the Gifts during the Offertory. There they remain with their families for the Liturgy of the Eucharist and the remainder of Mass. Why a Separate Celebration for Children?CLOW considers the developmental needs of young children. If we as adults struggle to understand what we hear during the Sunday Scriptures from time to time, we can only imagine the difficulties a young child must experience. Taking the developmental needs of the children into account allows us to create a presentation and discussion of the Sunday Scriptures that will meet the children where they are. It allows them to become more involved in the Liturgy, and to understand more fully what it is that takes place during this special time of the Mass. How Can I or My Children Become Involved?Any child, ages 4-9, can participate just by being present when CLOW is celebrated. There is no registration, no fee, and no sign-ups. CLOW's success depends on adults who are willing to give of their time and talent to serve the needs of our parish children. There are several ways adults can become involved in CLOW.
Adult Leaders and Helpers go through an orientation and training to enable them for this special and exciting ministry and receive ongoing support from the Director of Catechetical Ministry. If you have any questions or if you want to become involved, contact Christine Avella at 760-941-5560 or via email at dcm@oceanside4christ.com. |